Most large modern intensive farms include innovation in agricultural machinery and farming methods, genetic technology, techniques for achieving economies of scale in production, the creation of new markets for consumption, the application of patent protection to genetic information, and global trade. These farms are widespread in developed nations and increasingly prevalent worldwide. Most of the meat, dairy, fish, eggs, fruits, and vegetables available in supermarkets are produced by these industrial farms.Agricultural farming is one of the few industries in the U.S. with a consistent history of trade export surpluses. Just in the first three quarters of 2010, the U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates that farm cash receipts have reached $301.8 billion. Considering that 54.4 percent of the farm businesses in the U.S. are less than 100 acres, these statistics indicate a distinct opportunity for growth for those interested in a farm start-up business. In fact, a 2008 USDA long-term projected growth report estimates continued farm export growth by 26.25 until 2017.
